Field Water Management System

A unified field water management system with switchable modes for surface and underground water supply addresses the inconvenience of separate devices, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness by using a single device with a movable water level meter.

JP7812762B2Active Publication Date: 2026-02-10KUBOTA CHEMIX CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022142724
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-09-08
Publication Date
2026-02-10
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing field water management systems are inconvenient as they cannot simultaneously manage water supply to both the surface and underground of a field, necessitating separate devices for each, which increases complexity and cost.

Method used

A unified water management system that can switch between surface and underground water supply modes, using a single device with a movable water level meter to measure and control water levels on both surfaces and underground, reducing the need for multiple installations.

Benefits of technology

This system improves convenience and reduces costs by allowing a single device to manage both surface and underground water supply, facilitating efficient crop growth with reduced equipment requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a field water management system that enables improved convenience.SOLUTION: A field water management system comprises a water management device 10 that can manage water supply to a ground surface H1 of a field H and water supply to underground H2 of the field H; and a field management server 70 that can control the water management device 10. The field management server 70 can switch, as a control mode for controlling the water management device 10, between a surface irrigation mode for managing water supply to the ground surface H1 and an underground irrigation mode for managing water supply to the underground H2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a field water management system that manages water in a field. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for managing water in farm fields have been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The automatic water management device (field water management system) described in Patent Document 1 comprises a water supply pump and a drainage pump that supply and drain water to the ground surface of the field, a water level controller that controls the water supply pump and the drainage pump to adjust the water level in the field, and a computer connected to the water level controller. The computer estimates the water level appropriate for the growth stage of the crop and issues instructions to the water level controller to adjust the water level based on the estimation results. The water level controller adjusts the water level in the field based on the instructions. This allows the water supply to the ground surface to be managed, making it possible to cultivate rice, etc.

[0004] In farm fields, upland crops may be grown after rice cultivation. In upland crops, water needs to be supplied underground, not to the surface. However, the automatic water management device of Patent Document 1 cannot supply water underground. Therefore, when rice cultivation and upland crops are carried out in the same farm field, it is necessary to use the automatic water management device and another device that manages the water supply underground, which is inconvenient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-87856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a field water management system that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, and next, the means for solving this problem will be described.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a water management system is provided that is capable of managing water supply to the surface of a field and water supply to the underground of the field, and a control unit that is capable of controlling the water management system, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to switch between a first control mode that manages water supply to the surface of the field and a second control mode that manages water supply to the underground as control modes for controlling the water management system. and further comprising a water level meter capable of measuring the water level on the ground surface and the water level underground, wherein the control unit can manage the water supply to the ground surface based on the water level on the ground surface measured by the water level meter in the first control mode, and can manage the water supply to the underground based on the water level measured by the water level meter in the second control mode, and the water level meter is configured to be movable to a first position where the water level on the ground surface can be measured and a second position where the water level underground can be measured. It is something. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a common water management device can be used to manage water supply to the surface of a field and water supply to the underground depending on the application, thereby improving convenience. In addition, by using a water level meter, it is possible to adjust the water level on the ground surface and underground to an appropriate height. In addition, since a common water level meter can measure both the water level on the ground surface and underground, it is possible to reduce the number of water level meter installations and thereby reduce costs.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the first control mode, the control unit calculates the water level on the ground surface based on a first origin set according to the first position, and in the second control mode, calculates the water level underground based on a second origin set according to the second position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the water level can be calculated appropriately based on an origin according to the position of the water level indicator.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the water level measuring device further comprises a storage unit that stores the measurement results of the water level meter. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to record the history of the water level on the ground surface and the water level underground.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the memory unit stores information about crops grown in the field. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to record the history of crops grown in a field and the water level in the field (surface and underground).

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the farm further comprises a water thermometer capable of measuring the water temperature on the ground surface of the field and the water temperature underground of the field, and a memory unit that stores the measurement results of the water thermometer. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to record the history of water temperatures on the earth's surface and underground water temperatures. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a field water management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] (a) A diagram showing the water flow in surface irrigation mode. (b) A cross-sectional view showing the height positions of the water level and water temperature sensors in surface irrigation mode. [Figure 5] (a) A diagram showing the water flow in subsurface irrigation mode. (b) A cross-sectional view showing the height positions of the water level and water temperature sensors in subsurface irrigation mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the field setting screen when the subirrigation button is in the on state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the field setting screen when the rice button is on. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a mode execution process. [Figure 10] 10A is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a height adjustment mechanism, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of storage members. [Figure 11](a) A cross-sectional view showing multiple receiving members. (b) A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a water level and temperature sensor that is directly buried underground. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a mode confirmation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the installation locations of water level and water temperature sensors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following describes a field water management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The field water management system 1 shown in Figure 1 is for managing water in a field H. The field water management system 1 includes a water management device 10, a water level and water temperature sensor 20, a height adjustment mechanism 30, a communication repeater 40, an operator terminal 50, a data center 60, and a field management server 70.

[0020] The water management device 10 is used to manage water supply to the ground surface H1 and underground H2 of the field H. The water management device 10 can be installed in each of multiple fields H. The water management device 10 includes a water supply box 11, a water supply device 12, a first water supply pipe 13, a plate-shaped member 14, a lid 15, and a second water supply pipe 16.

[0021] The water supply manhole 11 shown in Figure 2 is a generally box-shaped part that is open at the top. The water supply manhole 11 is installed adjacent to the farm field H. The water supply manhole 11 has a first through hole 11a and a second through hole 11b. The first through hole 11a and the second through hole 11b are formed to penetrate the bottom of the water supply manhole 11.

[0022] The water supply device 12 supplies water to the water supply manhole 11. The water supply device 12 is provided within the water supply manhole 11. The water supply device 12 includes a communication device (not shown) for communicating with the communication repeater 40 described below, a water supply valve (valve) 12a that can be opened and closed, and an electric actuator 12b that can electrically operate the water supply valve 12a. The water supply device 12 can switch between a state in which water from the first water supply pipe 13 can be supplied to the water supply manhole 11 and a state in which water cannot be supplied by opening and closing the water supply valve 12a with the electric actuator 12b. The water supply device 12 can also adjust the amount of water supplied by changing the opening degree of the water supply valve 12a with the electric actuator 12b.

[0023] The first water supply pipe 13 is for supplying water from a water source to the water supply device 12. One end of the first water supply pipe 13 is inserted into the first through-hole 11a and connected to the water supply device 12. The other end of the first water supply pipe 13 is connected to the water source via a water distribution device or the like (not shown) for adjusting the amount of water supplied.

[0024] The plate-like member 14 is a substantially plate-shaped member provided on the side wall of the water supply manhole 11. In this embodiment, water can be stored in the water supply manhole 11 up to the height of the upper end of the plate-like member 14. An operator (such as the manager of the farm field H) can adjust the water level that can be stored in the water supply manhole 11 by changing the vertical position of the plate-like member 14 relative to the water supply manhole 11.

[0025] The lid portion 15 is a member for closing the second through-hole 11b as necessary. The operator can remove the lid portion 15 at will.

[0026] The second water supply pipe 16 is for supplying water in the water supply manhole 11 to the underground H2 of the field H. The second water supply pipe 16 is equipped with a first connecting pipe 16a, a second connecting pipe 16b, and a perforated pipe 16c. The first connecting pipe 16a and the second connecting pipe 16b are pipes for connecting the water supply manhole 11 and the perforated pipe 16c. The first connecting pipe 16a is connected to the second through hole 11b of the water supply manhole 11 and is arranged to extend downward from the second through hole 11b. The second connecting pipe 16b is connected to the lower end of the first connecting pipe 16a and is arranged to extend horizontally.

[0027] The perforated pipe 16c is a pipe having a plurality of holes formed on its outer circumferential surface. The perforated pipe 16c is connected to the second connecting pipe 16b and is disposed so as to extend horizontally (perpendicular to the second connecting pipe 16b). The other end of the perforated pipe 16c is connected to a drainage channel (not shown). A plurality of perforated pipes 16c are provided at predetermined intervals in the extension direction of the second connecting pipe 16b (the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 2).

[0028] With the cover 15 attached, the water management device 10 can supply water to the ground surface H1 of the field H. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(a), when water is supplied from the water supply device 12 into the water supply manhole 11 with the cover 15 attached, the water level rises in the water supply manhole 11. This rise in the water level causes the water in the water supply manhole 11 to overflow the plate-like member 14, and water is supplied from the water supply manhole 11 to the ground surface H1 of the field H. Hereinafter, the position of the water surface of the water supplied to the ground surface H1 (the height from the ground surface H1 to the water surface) will be referred to as the "surface water level W1." Furthermore, the temperature of the water supplied to the ground surface H1 will be referred to as the "surface water temperature."

[0029] The water management device 10 can supply water to the underground H2 of the field H when the cover 15 is removed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when water is supplied from the water supply device 12 into the water supply manhole 11 when the cover 15 is removed, the water flows from the water supply manhole 11 into the first connecting pipe 16a. The water that flows into the first connecting pipe 16a flows through the second connecting pipe 16b to the perforated pipe 16c and is supplied to the underground H2 of the field H through the holes in the perforated pipe 16c. In this way, water is supplied from the water supply manhole 11 to the underground H2 of the field H. Hereinafter, the position of the water surface of the water supplied to the underground H2 (the depth from the ground surface H1 to the water surface) will be referred to as the "groundwater level W2." The temperature of the water supplied to the underground H2 will be referred to as the "groundwater temperature."

[0030] The water management device 10 is equipped with a drainage device (not shown) for draining water supplied to the ground surface H1 or underground H2. The drainage device has, for example, a lifting body provided at a drainage outlet of the field H, and discharges water from the field H that exceeds the lifting body into a drainage channel. The lifting body of the drainage device is raised and lowered manually by an operator or automatically in response to a signal from a farm field management server 70 (see FIG. 1), which will be described later. This makes it possible to adjust the height of water that can be stored in the field H (maximum water level).

[0031] The water level and temperature sensor 20 shown in Fig. 3 is for measuring the water level and water temperature in the farm field H. The water level and temperature sensor 20 is installed in the farm field H. The water level and temperature sensor 20 includes a case 21, a cap 22, an electrode 23, and the like.

[0032] The case 21 is a member for accommodating the electrode 23. The case 21 is arranged with its axis facing up and down and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open top. A water passage hole (not shown) is formed in the case 21 for introducing water into the interior. A first reference line L1 and a second reference line L2 are marked on the outer circumferential surface of the case 21. The first reference line L1 and the second reference line L2 will be described later. The cap 22 is a member for closing the top of the case 21. The electrode 23 is a part for measuring the water level. The electrode 23 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending up and down.

[0033] When the water level and temperature sensor 20 is submerged in water in the field H, the water from the field H flows into the case 21 through the water passage hole. At this time, the water flows into the case 21 up to the same height as the water level of the field H (surface water level W1 or groundwater level W2). The capacitance of the electrode 23 varies depending on the relative height position of the electrode 23 to the water (how high the water is submerged). More specifically, the capacitance of the electrode 23 increases as the water is submerged higher above the electrode 23. The water level and temperature sensor 20 can measure the water level of the field H based on the difference in capacitance depending on the relative position between the water and the electrode 23.

[0034] The water level and temperature sensor 20 also has a temperature measurement unit (not shown) that can measure temperature, and can measure the water temperature of the field H when the water in the field H comes into contact with the temperature measurement unit. In this embodiment, the water level and water temperature of the field H can be obtained as measured values ​​by the water level and temperature sensor 20. The water level and water temperature sensor 20 is connected to the water supply device 12 (see FIG. 2), and can transmit information related to the measurement results of the water level and water temperature of the field H to the water supply device 12.

[0035] Here, in order to measure the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 with one water level / temperature sensor 20, it is necessary to configure the electrode 23 so that it can be immersed in water over a wide range, from above the ground surface H1 to deep underground H2. If the electrode 23 were made longer, it would be possible to immerse it in water over a wide range, but with this configuration, there is a concern that the strength of the water level / temperature sensor 20 would be reduced.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, by adjusting the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 using the height adjustment mechanism 30 shown in Figure 3, the water level / temperature sensor 20, which has a relatively short electrode 23, is configured to be able to measure both the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2. Furthermore, by adjusting the height position, the water level / temperature sensor 20 is also configured to be able to measure both the surface water temperature and the groundwater temperature. This prevents a decrease in the strength of the water level / temperature sensor 20. Furthermore, compared to measuring the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 using separate water level / temperature sensors, the number of water level / temperature sensors 20 installed can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. The height adjustment mechanism 30 is described below. The height adjustment mechanism 30 includes a housing member 31, a receiving member 32, a support member 33, and an attachment member 34.

[0037] The storage member 31 is a member for storing the water level and temperature sensor 20. The storage member 31 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis oriented vertically and its top open and closed at the bottom. The storage member 31 is embedded in the field H so that its top protrudes from the ground surface H1 of the field H. This prevents soil from flowing into the storage member 31 in the surface irrigation mode described below. Note that the storage member 31 is not shown in Figures 1, 2, 4(a), and 5(a). As shown in Figure 3, the storage member 31 has a water passage hole 31a.

[0038] The water passage holes 31a are formed so as to penetrate the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the storage member 31. A plurality of the water passage holes 31a are formed at intervals in the vertical direction. Water supplied to the field H flows into the storage member 31 through the water passage holes 31a. In this way, water flows into the inside of the storage member 31 up to the same height as the surface water level W1 or the groundwater level W2 (see Figures 4(b) and 5(b)).

[0039] The receiving member 32 is for receiving soil and the like that has gotten into the storage member 31. The receiving member 32 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom. The receiving member 32 is placed on the bottom of the storage member 31. A handle 32a is formed on the receiving member 32. An operator can easily remove the receiving member 32 from the storage member 31 by pulling up the receiving member 32 using the handle 32a. This makes it easy to discharge the soil and the like that has accumulated in the receiving member 32.

[0040] The support member 33 is for supporting the mounting member 34. The support member 33 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axis oriented in the vertical direction. The support member 33 is disposed outside the storage member 31. The support member 33 is buried in the field H so that its upper portion protrudes above the ground surface H1 of the field H.

[0041] The mounting member 34 is used to mount the water level / water temperature sensor 20. The mounting member 34 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis oriented in the vertical direction. The mounting member 34 is fixed to the support member 33 via a first mounting portion 34a. The water level / water temperature sensor 20 is mounted to the mounting member 34 via a second mounting portion 34b. The second mounting portion 34b is detachable from the mounting member 34 and is configured so that its mounting position (vertical position relative to the mounting member 34) can be changed.

[0042] The height adjustment mechanism 30 can adjust the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 by changing the mounting position of the second mounting portion 34b. By adjusting the height position, the height adjustment mechanism 30 can switch the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 between a first position P1 and a second position P2.

[0043] The first position P1 shown in FIG. 4(b) is a position where the surface water level W1 and surface water temperature can be measured. Here, a first origin G1 is set in advance in the water level / temperature sensor 20 as a point that serves as a reference (water level is 0 cm) when measuring the surface water level W1. In this embodiment, the lower part of the case 21 of the water level / temperature sensor 20 is set as the first origin G1. A first reference line L1 marked on the case 21 of the water level / temperature sensor 20 is a line indicating this first origin G1. The operator can move the water level / temperature sensor 20 to the first position P1 by adjusting the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 so that the first reference line L1 (first origin G1) coincides with the ground surface H1.

[0044] When the water level / temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1, most of the electrode 23 is positioned higher than the ground surface H1. As a result, when water is supplied to the ground surface H1, the electrode 23 is immersed in the water, allowing the water level / temperature sensor 20 to measure the surface water level W1. In addition, the water level / temperature sensor 20 can measure the surface water temperature because the temperature measuring unit is in contact with the water.

[0045] The second position P2 shown in FIG. 5(b) is a position where the groundwater level W2 and groundwater temperature can be measured. A second origin G2 is set in advance in the water level / temperature sensor 20 as a point that serves as a reference (water level is 0 cm) when measuring the groundwater level W2. In this embodiment, the upper part of the case 21 of the water level / temperature sensor 20 is set as the second origin G2. A second reference line L2 marked on the case 21 of the water level / temperature sensor 20 is a line indicating this second origin G2. The operator can move the water level / temperature sensor 20 to the second position P2 by adjusting the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 so that the second reference line L2 (second origin G2) coincides with the ground surface H1.

[0046] When the water level / temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2, most of the electrode 23 is positioned lower than the ground surface H1. As a result, when water is supplied underground H2, the electrode 23 is immersed in water, allowing the water level / temperature sensor 20 to measure the groundwater level W2. The water level / temperature sensor 20 can also measure the groundwater temperature.

[0047] 1 is a device capable of wireless communication. The communication repeater 40 can exchange information with the water supply apparatus 12 and the farm land management server 70, which will be described later, via wireless communication.

[0048] The operator terminal 50 is a terminal owned by an operator. The operator terminal 50 includes a calculation device capable of executing calculation processing, a storage device in which programs and the like are stored, an input device into which information can be input, and an output device into which the results of calculation processing and the like can be displayed. The operator terminal 50 is configured by a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like.

[0049] The data center 60 is a facility for storing various information related to the field H and the field water management system 1. The data center 60 is provided with a storage device (for example, a large-capacity storage) for storing information, and the storage device stores the measurement results of the water level and temperature sensor 20, information about the location of the field H (latitude and longitude), etc. The data center 60 can store information transmitted from the field management server 70 in the storage device. Furthermore, the data center 60 can transmit the information stored in the storage device to the field management server 70 when requested by the field management server 70.

[0050] The farm land management server 70 is used to perform processes related to the water supply of the farm field H. The farm land management server 70 is configured as a cloud server (strictly speaking, a server virtually constructed within the cloud server). The farm land management server 70 can exchange information with the water supply apparatus 12 via the communication repeater 40. The farm land management server 70 can acquire various information by receiving signals from the water supply apparatus 12. For example, the farm land management server 70 can acquire the opening degree of the water tap 12a, the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 20, etc., based on the signals from the water supply apparatus 12.

[0051] The farm land management server 70 can also control the water management device 10. For example, the farm land management server 70 can open and close the water supply tap 12a by sending a signal to the water supply device 12, switching between a state in which water can be supplied to the water supply manhole 11 and a state in which water cannot be supplied, and can control the amount of water supplied by adjusting the opening degree. The farm land management server 70 is configured to be able to switch between a surface irrigation mode and a subirrigation mode as modes for controlling the water management device 10. The surface irrigation mode and the subirrigation mode will be described later.

[0052] The farm land management server 70 can also exchange information with the operator terminal 50 via an internet line or the like. For example, the farm land management server 70 can display on the operator terminal 50 screens that the operator can operate (such as the farm land setting screen 80 and graph display screen 90 shown in FIG. 1 ). By operating the operator terminal 50 (screen), the operator can receive signals from the farm land management server 70 and check the water level and the like of the farm land H. Furthermore, by operating the operator terminal 50, the operator can send signals to the farm land management server 70 and remotely control the water supply to the farm land H. The screens displayed on the operator terminal 50 will be described later.

[0053] The farm field management server 70 is also configured to be able to acquire meteorological information (such as temperature and precipitation) for the area including the farm field H by communicating with a predetermined server.

[0054] The surface irrigation mode and subsurface irrigation mode will be described below. As shown in FIG. 4, the surface irrigation mode is a mode for managing water supply to the ground surface H1. The surface irrigation mode is executed when water is stored on the ground surface H1 to grow crops, such as rice cultivation. In the surface irrigation mode, the lid 15 is attached and the system is switched to a state in which water can be supplied to the ground surface H1. In the surface irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1.

[0055] In the surface irrigation mode, the farm field management server 70 calculates the surface water level W1 based on a first origin G1 that is set according to the first position P1. For example, the farm field management server 70 detects how far the electrode 23 is submerged in water based on the capacitance of the electrode 23, and calculates the distance from this detected part to the first origin G1 to calculate the surface water level W1. In the surface irrigation mode, the farm field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 so that the surface water level W1 calculated in this way becomes a water level (set water level) suitable for growing crops in the field H.

[0056] For example, when the calculated surface water level W1 is lower than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the farm field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 to raise the surface water level W1. In this case, the farm field management server 70 opens the water faucet 12a, for example, to increase the amount of water supplied to the ground surface H1. Furthermore, when the calculated water level is higher than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the farm field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 to lower the surface water level W1. In this case, the farm field management server 70 closes the water faucet 12a, for example, to reduce the amount of water supplied to the ground surface H1. Based on the measurement results of the surface water level W1 by the water level and water temperature sensor 20, the farm field management server 70 manages the water supply and drainage to the farm field H so that the surface water level W1 is at the set water level, thereby ensuring appropriate crop growth. For example, this allows for appropriate growth of paddy rice.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the subirrigation mode is a mode for managing water supply to the underground H2. The subirrigation mode is executed when water is supplied to the underground H2 to grow crops, such as in field farming. In the subirrigation mode, the cover 15 is removed and the system is switched to a state in which water can be supplied to the underground H2. In the subirrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2.

[0058] In the subirrigation mode, the field management server 70 calculates the groundwater level W2 based on a second origin G2 that is set according to the second position P2. For example, the field management server 70 detects how far the electrode 23 is submerged in water based on the capacitance of the electrode 23, and calculates the distance from this detected part to the second origin G2 to calculate the groundwater level W2. In the subirrigation mode, the field management server 70 controls the water management device 10 so that the calculated groundwater level W2 becomes a water level (set water level) suitable for growing crops in the field H.

[0059] For example, if the calculated groundwater level W2 is lower than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the farm field management server 70 opens the water supply valve 12a to increase the amount of water supplied to the ground H2. Also, if the calculated groundwater level W2 is higher than the set water level by a predetermined amount or more, the farm field management server 70 closes the water supply valve 12a to reduce the amount of water supplied to the ground H2. In this way, the farm field management server 70 manages the water supply and drainage to the farm field H based on the measurement results of the groundwater level W2 by the water level and water temperature sensor 20 so that the groundwater level W2 becomes the set water level, thereby enabling appropriate growth of crops. For example, soybeans and the like can be grown appropriately.

[0060] The following describes the screens (the field setting screen 80 and the graph display screen 90 shown in FIG. 1) created by the field management server 70. The field setting screen 80 and the graph display screen 90 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are dynamic web pages generated by a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program or the like. The field setting screen 80 and the graph display screen 90 can be displayed on the browser of the operator terminal 50.

[0061] 6 is a screen for setting information related to the field H. The field setting screen 80 includes a static display section 81, a dynamic display section 82, and a button display section 83.

[0062] The static display section 81 is a section whose display content does not change (displays common information) regardless of the state of the subirrigation button 81a and paddy rice button 81b described below. The static display section 81 is displayed in approximately the upper half of the field setting screen 80. In the static display section 81, the name of the field H ("Field Name") and the like can be set. The static display section 81 also has the subirrigation button 81a and paddy rice button 81b arranged therein.

[0063] The subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b are buttons for switching between subirrigation mode and surface irrigation mode. The subirrigation button 81a is a button for executing the subirrigation mode. The paddy rice button 81b is a button for executing the surface irrigation mode in which water is supplied to the ground surface H1 and for growing paddy rice. The subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b are configured to be switchable between an on state and an off state. In Figures 6 and 7, buttons in the on state are shown filled in black, and buttons in the off state are shown filled in white.

[0064] The subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b are configured so that when one button is switched on, the other button is automatically switched off. The operator can select one of the control modes to be executed, the surface irrigation mode or the subirrigation mode, by operating the operator terminal 50 to switch the state of the subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b.

[0065] The dynamic display section 82 is a section whose display content changes depending on the state of the subirrigation button 81a and the paddy rice button 81b. The dynamic display section 82 is displayed in approximately the lower half of the field setting screen 80.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, when the subirrigation button 81a is in the on state, the dynamic display section 82 displays a depth setting section 82a, a graph setting section 82b, and a memo 82c.

[0067] The depth setting unit 82a sets information related to the depth of the water level / temperature sensor 20. The depth setting unit 82a can set a maximum depth and a minimum depth for each field H. The farm land management server 70 of this embodiment is configured to calculate the water level of the farm land H based on the output value from the water level / temperature sensor 20 within a range R (see FIG. 3) of the electrodes 23. The maximum depth set by the depth setting unit 82a is used to set the lower limit of the range R. The minimum depth is used to set the upper limit of the range R. When the maximum depth is set, the minimum depth is automatically set according to the maximum depth (set value). The operator can arbitrarily define the range R shown in FIG. 3 by setting the maximum depth and minimum depth. In the subirrigation mode, the farm land management server 70 calculates the groundwater level W2 within the range R thus defined.

[0068] The graph setting section 82b shown in FIG. 6 is a section for setting the upper and lower limit values ​​of the water level of a water level graph 91 that is displayed on a graph display screen 90, which will be described later. The graph setting section 82b can set the upper and lower limit values ​​for each control mode. As shown in FIG. 6, when the subirrigation button 81a is in the on state, the graph setting section 82b can set the upper and lower limit values ​​for the subirrigation mode. The memo 82c is a section for the operator to input any information.

[0069] 7, when the paddy-rice button 81b is in the on state, a graph setting section 82b is displayed in the dynamic display section 82. In the graph setting section 82b, the upper and lower limits of the water level of the water level graph 91 in the surface irrigation mode can be set.

[0070] In the surface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 of this embodiment is configured to calculate the surface water level W1 within the same range R (see FIG. 3) for any field H. Therefore, when the paddy rice button 81b is on, the depth setting section 82a is not displayed on the field setting screen 80.

[0071] The button display section 83 is a section that displays various buttons, including a back button 83a and a setting button 83b.

[0072] The back button 83a is a button for returning to the previous screen. The setting button 83b is a button for reflecting the contents set on the field setting screen 80. When the setting button 83b is pressed, the field management server 70 transmits the contents set on the field setting screen 80 to the data center 60. As a result, the settings on the field setting screen 80 (such as the name of the field H and the selected control mode) are stored in the storage device of the data center 60.

[0073] Furthermore, when the setting button 83b is pressed, the farm land management server 70 executes the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is for executing the control mode. Hereinafter, the process (flowchart) for executing the control mode will be referred to as the "mode execution process." The mode execution process will be described below.

[0074] When the mode execution process starts, the field management server 70 proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the field management server 70 determines whether the selected mode is the surface irrigation mode. That is, the field management server 70 determines whether the paddy rice button 81b was on when the setting button 83b was pressed on the field setting screen 80 shown in Figures 6 and 7. If the paddy rice button 81b is on (surface irrigation mode is selected), the field management server 70 proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the paddy rice button 81b is not on (subirrigation mode is selected), the field management server 70 proceeds to step S130.

[0075] In step S120, the farm land management server 70 executes the surface irrigation mode (see FIG. 4). By executing the surface irrigation mode, the farm land management server 70 calculates the surface water level W1 based on the first origin G1 and controls the water management device 10 so that the surface water level W1 becomes the set water level. When the processing of step S120 ends, the farm land management server 70 ends the mode execution processing.

[0076] In step S130, the farm land management server 70 executes the subirrigation mode (see FIG. 5). By executing the subirrigation mode, the farm land management server 70 calculates the groundwater level W2 based on the second origin G2 and controls the water management device 10 so that the groundwater level W2 becomes the set water level. When the processing of step S130 ends, the farm land management server 70 ends the mode execution processing.

[0077] The graph display screen 90 shown in Fig. 8 is a screen for displaying graphs related to the field H. The graph display screen 90 displays a water level graph 91, a water temperature graph 92, an air temperature graph 93, a precipitation amount graph 94, and an opening degree graph 95. The water level graph 91 and the like have time on the horizontal axis and various information such as water level on the vertical axis.

[0078] The water level graph 91 is a graph that shows the water level measurement results from the water level / water temperature sensor 20 (more specifically, the water level calculation results from the farm land management server 70). The range of the vertical axis of the water level graph 91 is the range set by the graph setting unit 82b in Figures 6 and 7. By making the range of the vertical axis variable in this way using the graph setting unit 82b, the range of the vertical axis can be changed to make the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 easier to see, thereby improving convenience.

[0079] The water temperature graph 92 is a graph showing the water temperature measurement results from the water level / temperature sensor 20. The air temperature graph 93 is a graph showing air temperature. The precipitation amount graph 94 is a graph showing precipitation amount. The farm field management server 70 creates and displays the air temperature graph 93 and the precipitation amount graph 94 based on weather information. The opening degree graph 95 is a graph showing the opening degree of the water faucet 12a.

[0080] The operator can check the history of various information such as the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 all at once by viewing the graph display screen 90. This can improve convenience.

[0081] The following describes a specific example of the procedure for switching the control mode, taking the case of switching from surface irrigation mode to subsurface irrigation mode as an example. Switching from surface irrigation mode to subsurface irrigation mode is performed, for example, when field crops are to be cultivated in field H after the rice harvest has been completed.

[0082] Before switching the control mode, the operator removes the lid 15 shown in Figure 4(a) to switch the state to allow water to flow from the water supply manhole 11 to the second water supply pipe 16. Also, before switching the control mode, the operator switches the position of the water level and water temperature sensor 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 shown in Figure 5(b) to switch the state to allow the water level and water temperature sensor 20 to measure the groundwater level W2.

[0083] The operator then switches the control mode by operating the operator terminal 50. More specifically, the operator causes the field setting screen 80 shown in Fig. 6 to be displayed on the operator terminal 50. Then, the operator switches the subirrigation button 81a on the field setting screen 80 to the on state and presses the setting button 83b. This executes the mode execution process shown in Fig. 9, and the subirrigation mode is executed (step S110: No, step S130).

[0084] The operator can switch from subsurface irrigation mode to surface irrigation mode using substantially the same procedure as when switching from surface irrigation mode to subsurface irrigation mode. Specifically, before switching the control mode, the operator attaches the cover 15 shown in Figure 4 and moves the water level and temperature sensor 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Then, the operator turns on the rice button 81b on the field setting screen 80 shown in Figure 6 and presses the setting button 83b.

[0085] In this way, in this embodiment, the control mode can be switched by operating the field setting screen 80. Furthermore, in the surface irrigation mode and the subsurface irrigation mode, water can be supplied to the ground surface H1 and the ground H2 using a common device (the water management device 10). This allows the operator to easily switch between the water supply to the ground surface H1 and the ground H2, improving convenience.

[0086] As described above, the field water management system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a water management device 10 capable of managing water supply to the ground surface H1 of the field H and water supply to the underground H2 of the field H, and a field management server 70 (controller) capable of controlling the water management device 10. The field management server 70 is configured to be able to switch between a surface irrigation mode (first control mode) that manages water supply to the ground surface H1 and a subsurface irrigation mode (second control mode) that manages water supply to the underground H2 as control modes for controlling the water management device 10 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0087] With this configuration, the common water management device 10 can manage the water supply to the surface H1 of the field H and the water supply to the underground H2 according to the purpose, thereby improving convenience.

[0088] The field management server 70 is further provided with a water level and temperature sensor 20 (water level gauge) capable of measuring the water level of the ground surface H1 and the water level of the underground H2, and in the surface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 manages the water supply to the ground surface H1 based on the water level of the ground surface H1 measured by the water level and temperature sensor 20, and in the underground irrigation mode, manages the water supply to the underground H2 based on the water level of the underground H2 measured by the water level and temperature sensor 20.

[0089] With this configuration, the water level and water temperature sensor 20 can be used to adjust the water level on the ground surface H1 and the water level underground H2 to appropriate heights.

[0090] In addition, the water level and water temperature sensor 20 is configured to be movable to a first position P1 where the water level on the ground surface H1 can be measured, and to a second position P2 where the water level underground H2 can be measured (see Figures 4(b) and 5(b)).

[0091] By configuring in this way, the number of installed water level / water temperature sensors 20 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0092] In addition, in the surface irrigation mode, the field management server 70 calculates the water level of the ground surface H1 based on a first origin G1 set according to the first position P1, and in the underground irrigation mode, calculates the water level of the underground H2 based on a second origin G2 set according to the second position P2.

[0093] By configuring in this way, the water level can be calculated appropriately using the origin according to the position of the water level / water temperature sensor 20 as a reference.

[0094] The system further comprises a storage device (storage unit) in the data center 60 for storing the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 20.

[0095] By configuring in this way, it is possible to record the history of the water level on the ground surface H1 and the water level underground H2.

[0096] The farm further includes a water level and temperature sensor 20 (water thermometer) capable of measuring the water temperature on the ground surface H1 of the farm field H and the water temperature underground H2 of the farm field H, and a storage device (storage unit) in the data center 60 that stores the measurement results of the water thermometer.

[0097] By configuring in this way, it is possible to record the history of the water temperature at the ground surface H1 and the water temperature underground H2.

[0098] The farm land management server 70 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a control unit. The water level and water temperature sensor 20 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a water level indicator and a water temperature indicator. The storage device of the data center 60 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a storage unit.

[0099] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0100] For example, in this embodiment, the water supply to the field H is managed based on the measurement results of the water level of the field H, but this is not limited to this, and the water supply may be managed by a method different from that of this embodiment. For example, the water supply to the field H may be managed based on the amount of precipitation, the water depth (how much the water level of the field H decreases per unit time), etc.

[0101] Although the water level / temperature sensor 20 is configured to be movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2, this is not limited thereto and may be configured to be immovable. For example, by using an electrode 23 with a vertical width longer than that of the present embodiment, a single water level / temperature sensor 20 may be used to measure both the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 without vertical movement. Alternatively, by using a first water level / temperature sensor located at a relatively high position and capable of measuring the surface water level W1 (water level at the ground surface H1), and a second water level / temperature sensor located at a relatively low position and capable of measuring the groundwater level W2 (water level at the ground H2), the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 may be measured without vertical movement. Installing the first water level / temperature sensor and the second water level / temperature sensor separately in this manner eliminates the need to move the water level / temperature sensor 20 according to the control mode, and allows the surface water level W1 and the groundwater level W2 to be easily measured in both control modes.

[0102] Furthermore, although the storage device of the data center 60 is assumed to store information such as water level and water temperature, the information stored in the storage device is not limited to this and can be changed as needed. For example, the storage device of the data center 60 may store information on crops to be grown in the field H in addition to water level and water temperature. As shown in FIG. 6, the field setting screen 80 of this embodiment displays a memo 82c into which any information can be input, and this memo 82c can be used to store crop information in the storage device of the data center 60. This makes it possible to keep a record of the water level, water temperature, and crops, so that, for example, when growing crops that have been grown in the past again, the water level of the field H can be easily determined using the history.

[0103] Furthermore, the device in which various information such as water level and water temperature is stored is not limited to the storage device in the data center 60, but can be changed as necessary. For example, various information such as water level may be stored in the operator terminal 50, the farmland management server 70, etc.

[0104] Furthermore, the configuration of the height adjustment mechanism 30 is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as desired. Figure 10(a) shows another example of the height adjustment mechanism 30. The height adjustment mechanism 30 shown in Figure 10(a) includes a first member 131, a second member 132, and a nonwoven fabric 133.

[0105] The first member 131 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening facing upward. The first member 131 is installed underground H2. The second member 132 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an axial direction facing up and down. The second member 132 is disposed so that its lower end surface is placed on the bottom of the first member 131 and extends upward from the first member 131. The inner diameter of the second member 132 is larger than the outer diameter of the case 21 of the water level / water temperature sensor 20 and smaller than the outer diameter of the cap 22. The upper end surface 132a of the second member 132 is located higher than the ground surface H1. The second member 132 has multiple water passage holes 132b formed at intervals in the vertical direction. The nonwoven fabric 133 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the first member 131 and the second member 132. Note that the symbol U shown in FIG. 10(a) indicates the soil (backfilled portion) that was backfilled in the field H when the first member 131 and the second member 132 were installed.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the water level and temperature sensor 20 is positioned so that the second marked line L2 is at the same height as the ground surface H1 by inserting the cap 22 into the second member 132 until it abuts the upper end surface 132a of the second member 132. This allows the water level and temperature sensor 20 to be easily moved to the second position P2. The water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1 by being pulled out of the second member 132 until the first marked line L1 is at the same height as the ground surface H1. The water level and temperature sensor 20 moved to the first position P1 is held by a predetermined holding member. The nonwoven fabric 133 does not necessarily have to be wrapped around the first member 131, etc.; if necessary, the first member 131, etc. can be buried in the field H without wrapping the nonwoven fabric 133 around it.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the member for housing the water level and temperature sensor 20 (first housing member 231 in FIG. 10(b)) can also be housed in another member. FIG. 10(b) shows a first housing member 231 that houses the water level and temperature sensor 20 and a second housing member 232 that houses the first housing member 231. The first housing member 231 and the second housing member 232 are formed with water passage holes 231a and 232a that allow water from the underground H2 to flow inside. By housing the first housing member 231 in the second housing member 232 in this way, it becomes difficult for soil and the like to enter the first housing member 231, which effectively prevents soil and the like from adhering to the water level and temperature sensor 20.

[0108] 11(a), it is also possible to arrange receiving members 331 to 333 for receiving soil and the like in a horizontal line. FIG. 11(a) shows a configuration in which a storage member 330 having a water passage hole 330a formed therein is installed underground H2, and a first receiving member 331, a second receiving member 332, and a third receiving member 333 are installed inside the storage member 330. Water that flows into the storage member 330 flows in the order of the first receiving member 331, the second receiving member 332, and the third receiving member 333.

[0109] The water level and temperature sensor 20 is placed on the third receiving member 333, which is the last of the three receiving members 331 to 333 to receive water (the farthest from the water hole 330a). This configuration prevents soil and the like from accumulating below the water level and temperature sensor 20 (the third receiving member 333), and effectively prevents soil and the like from adhering to the water level and temperature sensor 20.

[0110] Furthermore, the water level and temperature sensor 20 does not necessarily need to be housed in another member (such as the housing member 31 shown in FIG. 3 or the second member 132 shown in FIG. 10(a)), but may be buried directly in the farm field H, as shown in FIG. 11(b). When the water level and temperature sensor 20 is buried directly in the farm field H in this way, the water level and temperature sensor 20 may be wrapped in a water-permeable material such as a nonwoven fabric 431 or a layer of rice husks, or the water level and temperature sensor 20 may be buried in the farm field H without being wrapped in any other member. Furthermore, rice husks or chips 432 may be spread under the water level and temperature sensor 20. Note that the symbol U shown in FIG. 11(b) indicates the soil (backfilled portion) that is backfilled in the farm field H when the water level and temperature sensor 20 is buried.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, the vertical position of the plate-shaped member 14 relative to the water supply manhole 11 is manually adjusted, but this is not limited to this, and the vertical position may be automatically adjusted based on a signal from the field management server 70 or the like.

[0112] Furthermore, although the lid unit 15 is configured to manually open and close the second through-hole 11b in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured to automatically open and close the second through-hole 11b based on a signal from the field management server 70 or the like. When the lid unit 15 is automatically opened and closed, the lid unit 15 may be configured to open and close in conjunction with the control mode selected on the field setting screen 80. For example, the lid unit 15 may be configured to close the second through-hole 11b when the surface irrigation mode is selected on the field setting screen 80, and to open the second through-hole 11b when the subirrigation mode is selected.

[0113] Next, a field water management system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0114] The field water management system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a water management device 10 configured similarly to the first embodiment, a water level and temperature sensor 20, a height adjustment mechanism 30, a communication repeater 40, an operator terminal 50, a data center 60, and a field management server 70. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the mode confirmation process shown in Figure 12 is performed after the mode execution process. The differences are described below.

[0115] As explained in the specific example of the first embodiment, the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 is changed before the control mode is switched. Also, the control mode is manually selected by the operator. In this case, there is a risk that an incorrect control mode will be selected for the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 due to an operational error or the like.

[0116] Specifically, even if the water level / temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1 (see FIG. 4(b)) for measuring the surface water level W1, the subsurface irrigation mode for supplying water to the ground H2 may be selected. Also, even if the water level / temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2 (see FIG. 5(b)) for measuring the groundwater level W2, the surface irrigation mode for supplying water to the ground surface H1 may be selected.

[0117] Therefore, the farm land management server 70 according to this embodiment is configured to issue a predetermined notification to the operator when it is considered that an incorrect control mode has been selected for the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 in the mode confirmation process shown in Fig. 12. This will be explained in detail below.

[0118] When the farm land management server 70 starts executing the mode confirmation process shown in Fig. 12, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210, the farm land management server 70 waits while calculating the water temperature in the field H until a predetermined time has elapsed. During the standby period in step S210, the water temperature in the field H changes in accordance with changes in the air temperature (outside air temperature). Based on this change in water temperature, the farm land management server 70 determines whether the control mode is appropriate in steps S230 to S260, which will be described later.

[0119] Here, it is considered that the water temperature at the ground surface H1 is more likely to change in response to changes in air temperature than that at the underground H2. Therefore, in this embodiment, in steps S230 and S260, it is estimated whether the water level / temperature sensor 20 is measuring the water temperature at the ground surface H1 or underground H2, depending on the amount of change in water temperature.

[0120] In order to calculate the amount of change in water temperature as described above, the standby time in step S210 is set to a time during which the air temperature will change to some extent. For example, to calculate the amount of change in water temperature based on the difference in air temperature between day and night, the standby time is set to at least 24 hours. When the standby time in step S210 has elapsed, the farmland management server 70 proceeds to step S220.

[0121] In step S220, the farm land management server 70 determines whether the selected mode is the surface irrigation mode, similar to step S110 shown in Fig. 9. If the surface irrigation mode is selected (step S220: Yes), the farm land management server 70 proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, if the subirrigation mode is selected (step S220: No), the farm land management server 70 proceeds to step S260.

[0122] In step S230, the farm land management server 70 determines whether the amount of change in water temperature over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, the farm land management server 70 communicates with the data center 60 to acquire water temperature measurement results from the present (most recent) to the time when standby began in step S210 (a predetermined time ago). The farm land management server 70 then calculates the amount of change in water temperature over the predetermined period of time by finding the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the acquired measurement results.

[0123] For example, if the water level / temperature sensor 20 has been moved to the first position P1 at the start of the mode confirmation process shown in Fig. 12, the farm land management server 70 calculates the amount of change in the water temperature (surface water temperature) on the ground surface H1 in step S230. Also, if the water level / temperature sensor 20 has been moved to the second position P2 at the start of the mode confirmation process, the farm land management server 70 calculates the amount of change in the water temperature (groundwater temperature) underground H2 in step S230.

[0124] In step S230, the farm land management server 70 determines whether the calculated change in water temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold. As described above, it is believed that surface water temperature is more likely to change with changes in air temperature than groundwater temperature. Therefore, if it is determined in step S230 that the change in water temperature is greater than the predetermined threshold (step S230: Yes), it is believed that the water level / temperature sensor 20 is located at a first position P1 where the surface water temperature can be measured. In this case, the farm land management server 70 proceeds to step S240.

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S230 that the amount of change in water temperature is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (step S230: No), the water level / temperature sensor 20 is considered to be located at a second position P2 where the groundwater temperature can be measured. In this case, the farm land management server 70 proceeds to step S250.

[0126] In step S240, the farm management server 70 continues to execute the surface irrigation mode. More specifically, when the water level / temperature sensor 20 is considered to be positioned at a first position P1 where the surface water level W1 can be measured, the farm management server 70 determines that the surface irrigation mode, in which water is supplied to the ground surface H1, should be executed. When this determined control mode matches the control mode selected by the operator (step S220: Yes, step S230: Yes), the farm management server 70 executes that control mode (surface irrigation mode). This makes it possible to execute the surface irrigation mode when the water level / temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1. When the processing of step S240 ends, the farm management server 70 ends the mode confirmation processing.

[0127] In step S250, the farm management server 70 notifies the operator of the mode. More specifically, if the surface irrigation mode in which water is supplied to the ground surface H1 is selected even though the water level / temperature sensor 20 is considered to be positioned at the second position P2 (step S220: Yes, step S230: No), the farm management server 70 proceeds to step S250. In this case, it is considered that the wrong control mode has been selected for the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20. Therefore, in step S250, the farm management server 70 displays, for example, a message on the operator terminal 50 urging the operator to confirm the selected control mode. This makes it possible to alert the operator to the incorrect selection. When the processing of step S250 is completed, the farm management server 70 ends the mode confirmation processing.

[0128] If the subirrigation mode is selected (Step S220: No), the farm land management server 70 proceeds to Step S260, where it determines whether the amount of change in water temperature over a predetermined period of time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. If the amount of change in water temperature is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (Step S260: Yes), the farm land management server 70 proceeds to Step S270. On the other hand, if the amount of change in water temperature is greater than the predetermined threshold (Step S260: No), the farm land management server 70 proceeds to Step S250.

[0129] In step S270, the farm land management server 70 continues to execute the subirrigation mode. More specifically, the farm land management server 70 determines that the subirrigation mode should be executed when it is considered that the water level and temperature sensor 20 will be placed at the second position P2. If the determined control mode matches the control mode selected by the operator (step S220: No, step S260: Yes), the farm land management server 70 executes that control mode (subirrigation mode). This makes it possible to execute the subirrigation mode when the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2. When the processing of step S270 ends, the farm land management server 70 ends the mode confirmation processing.

[0130] On the other hand, if the subirrigation mode is selected even though the water level / temperature sensor 20 is thought to be positioned at the first position P1 (step S220: No, step S260: No), the farm land management server 70 proceeds to step S250. In this case, it is thought that the wrong control mode has been selected for the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20, so the farm land management server 70 issues a notification about the mode. This notification can alert the operator to the incorrect selection.

[0131] By executing the mode confirmation process according to this embodiment, an appropriate control mode that matches the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 can be executed, improving convenience (steps S240-S270). The farm land management server 70 can also issue a notification if it suspects that the wrong control mode has been selected (step S250). The farm land management server 70 can also issue a notification if an attempt is made to switch the control mode without moving the water level / temperature sensor 20 (step S250).

[0132] When proceeding to step S250, the farm land management server 70 may switch the control mode based on the amount of change in water temperature rather than issuing a notification. For example, if the amount of change in water temperature is small in step S230 (step S230: No), it is considered that the surface irrigation mode is being executed with the water level / temperature sensor 20 positioned at the second position P2 (see FIG. 5(b)). In this case, in step S250, the farm land management server 70 may execute the subirrigation mode rather than continuing the surface irrigation mode. Also, for example, if the amount of change in water temperature is large in step S260 (step S260: No), the farm land management server 70 may execute the surface irrigation mode rather than continuing the subirrigation mode in step S250.

[0133] By switching the control mode based on the amount of change in water temperature in this way, the farm land management server 70 can automatically execute an appropriate control mode that matches the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20, even if it is suspected that the wrong control mode has been selected. Note that when the farm land management server 70 executes a control mode based on the amount of change in water temperature, it may issue a predetermined notification to the operator. For example, it may display a message on the operator terminal 50 informing the operator that a control mode different from the control mode selected by the operator has been executed.

[0134] 12 is completed and the control mode appropriate for the height position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 is executed, the farm land management server 70 can use the water temperature to detect an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20. For example, if the position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 shifts for some reason (such as an earthquake or vandalism) while the control mode is being executed, the water temperature measurement result is also likely to change.

[0135] Therefore, when adjusting the water level of the field H to a set water level in the control mode, the farm land management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature over a predetermined period and compares this amount of change with a predetermined threshold value.The farm land management server 70 then detects an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 based on the result of the comparison with the threshold value and the control mode.

[0136] For example, in surface irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the first position P1 (see Figure 4), so it is normally expected that the amount of change in water temperature will be relatively large. If an abnormality occurs in the water level and temperature sensor 20 in the surface irrigation mode and the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 becomes lower (buried underground), it is expected that the amount of change in water temperature will become smaller. Therefore, the farmland management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20 when the amount of change in water temperature in the surface irrigation mode is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, in the subsurface irrigation mode, the water level and temperature sensor 20 is moved to the second position P2 (see FIG. 5), and the amount of change in water temperature is normally considered to be relatively small. If an abnormality occurs in the water level and temperature sensor 20 in the subsurface irrigation mode and the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20 becomes higher (exposed above the ground surface H1), the amount of change in water temperature is considered to be large. Therefore, the farmland management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level and temperature sensor 20 when the amount of change in water temperature in the subsurface irrigation mode is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0138] When an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 is detected, the farm land management server 70 notifies the operator of the abnormality, thereby enabling the water level / temperature sensor 20 to be quickly returned to an appropriate position.

[0139] In this embodiment, a static threshold is used to determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large in the mode confirmation process and abnormality detection shown in Fig. 12, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a threshold that is dynamically changed based on various information. For example, the farm land management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature in the field H in the past (e.g., one year ago) in advance and corrects the threshold based on the calculation result. In this way, the farm land management server 70 can appropriately determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large for each field H, taking into account the water temperature history.

[0140] It is also possible to correct the threshold value based on meteorological information rather than water temperature history. More specifically, if the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is relatively small, the amount of change in water temperature is considered to be relatively small. Furthermore, if the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is relatively large, the amount of change in water temperature is considered to be relatively large. Therefore, when determining whether the amount of change in water temperature is large, the farmland management server 70 communicates with a specified server and acquires the maximum and minimum temperatures for the same period (e.g., the past 24 hours) as the amount of change in water temperature. The farmland management server 70 uses the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures acquired in this way to correct the threshold value used to determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large. This allows the farmland management server 70 to accurately determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large using the threshold value corrected based on meteorological information.

[0141] Furthermore, the farm land management server 70 can determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large by using other methods instead of comparing the amount of change in water temperature with a threshold value when detecting an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20. For example, the farm land management server 70 can determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large based on machine learning or the degree of deviation from past water temperature changes.

[0142] First, an example of determining the amount of change in water temperature using machine learning will be described. The amount of change in water temperature when there is an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 and the amount of change in water temperature when there is no abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 are prepared, and the farm land management server 70 is made to learn in advance using supervised learning the relationship between these amounts of change in water temperature and the presence or absence of an abnormality. In this way, the farm land management server 70 learns the characteristics of the amount of change in water temperature when there is an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 and the characteristics of the amount of change in water temperature when there is no abnormality. The farm land management server 70 can accurately detect an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 by using the learned characteristics to determine whether there is an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20.

[0143] Next, an example of determining the amount of change in water temperature based on the degree of deviation of the amount of change in water temperature will be described. The farm land management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature in the past (e.g., one year ago) in advance. The farm land management server 70 then compares the calculated amount of change in past water temperature with the current amount of change in water temperature, and if the current amount of change in water temperature differs significantly from the past amount of change in water temperature, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the water level / temperature sensor 20. This allows the farm land management server 70 to accurately detect an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20.

[0144] As described above, the field water management system 1 of this embodiment comprises a water management device 10 that can manage the water supply to the ground surface H1 of the field H and the water supply to the underground H2 of the field H; a water level and temperature sensor 20 (measuring device) that is configured to be able to move to a first position P1 where the water level and water temperature on the ground surface H1 can be measured, and to a second position P2 where the water level and water temperature in the underground H2 can be measured; and a field management server 70 (control unit) that can control the water management device 10 based on the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 20.The field management server 70 is configured to be able to execute two control modes for controlling the water management device 10: a surface irrigation mode that manages the water supply to the ground surface H1, and a subsurface irrigation mode that manages the water supply to the underground H2, and determines the control mode to be executed based on the water temperature measurement results by the water level and water temperature sensor 20.

[0145] This configuration improves convenience by automatically executing a control mode that matches the position of the water level and temperature sensor 20. In addition, water can be appropriately supplied to the ground surface H1 and underground H2 based on the measurement results of the water level and temperature sensor 20.

[0146] The farm land management server 70 also determines the control mode to be executed based on the amount of change in water temperature measured by the water level / temperature sensor 20 over a predetermined period of time (steps S230 to S260).

[0147] With this configuration, the position of the water level / temperature sensor 20 can be determined with high accuracy, making it easier to execute a control mode that matches the position of the water level / temperature sensor 20. This allows for more appropriate management of water supply to the field H.

[0148] The system is further provided with an operator terminal 50 (operation unit) that allows the operator to select the control mode, and the farm field management server 70 issues a predetermined notification when the control mode selected by the operator terminal 50 and the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results are different modes (step S250).

[0149] By configuring in this way, it is possible to notify when the control mode selected by the operator terminal 50 and the control mode determined by the farm land management server 70 differ.

[0150] The farmland management server 70 further includes an operator terminal 50 (operation unit) that allows the operator to select the control mode, and when the control mode selected by the operator terminal 50 and the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results are different modes, the farmland management server 70 executes the control mode determined based on the water temperature measurement results.

[0151] With this configuration, regardless of the control mode selected on the operator terminal 50, the control mode determined by the farm land management server 70 can be executed.

[0152] Furthermore, the farm land management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level / water temperature sensor 20 based on the measurement results of the water temperature in the surface irrigation mode and the sub-irrigation mode.

[0153] With this configuration, it is possible to check for abnormalities in the water level / water temperature sensor 20 using the water temperature measurement results.

[0154] The water level and water temperature sensor 20 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a measuring device. The farm land management server 70 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of a control unit. The operator terminal 50 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of an operation unit.

[0155] Although the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0156] For example, in this embodiment, the incorrect selection of the control mode is determined based on the amount of change in water temperature, but the information used to determine this incorrect selection is not limited to the amount of change in water temperature. For example, the farmland management server 70 may determine the incorrect selection based on the average, maximum, or minimum water temperature.

[0157] The installation location of the water level and temperature sensor 20 may be changed periodically. If the installation location of the water level and temperature sensor 20 is changed, the farm land management server 70 may determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large or not, taking into account the installation location of the water level and temperature sensor 20, in the mode confirmation process (steps S230-S260) shown in Fig. 12 and in the abnormality detection of the water level and temperature sensor 20. This will be specifically explained below using Fig. 13 as an example.

[0158] The water level and temperature sensor 20 shown in FIG. 13 was previously installed at points A and B and has been moved to point C. In FIG. 13, point B is closer to point C than point A. The storage device of the data center 60 stores the water temperature measurement results at point A, the water temperature measurement results at point B, and location information (latitude and longitude) of points A to C. This makes it possible to manage the water temperature history for each location. In this embodiment, the water level and temperature sensor 20 also measures the water level of the field H. The water level measurement results (measured values) are also stored in the storage device of the data center 60. This makes it possible to manage the water level and water temperature history for each location.

[0159] The farm land management server 70 calculates the amount of change in water temperature in the past at one of points A and B where the water level / temperature sensor 20 was previously installed (point B), which is closer to point C, and corrects the threshold value used to determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large based on the calculation result. This allows the farm land management server 70 to appropriately determine whether the amount of change in water temperature is large, taking into account the past installation location, when performing the mode confirmation process shown in Fig. 12 and detecting an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20.

[0160] As described above, the farm field management server 70 detects an abnormality in the water level / water temperature sensor 20 based on at least one of the previously stored water temperature measurement results by the water level / water temperature sensor 20 or information on the location where the water temperature was measured by the water level / water temperature sensor 20 (the installation location of the water level / water temperature sensor 20).

[0161] By configuring in this way, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the water level / temperature sensor 20 using the history (information stored in the storage device of the data center 60). [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1. Field water management system 10 Water management equipment 70 Farm Management Server H field H1 ground surface H2 underground

Claims

1. a water management device capable of managing water supply to the surface of the field and water supply to the underground of the field; a control unit capable of controlling the water management device; Equipped with The control unit The control mode for controlling the water management device is switchable between a first control mode for managing water supply to the ground surface and a second control mode for managing water supply to the underground, further comprising a water level gauge capable of measuring the water level on the ground surface and the water level underground, The control unit In the first control mode, the water supply to the ground surface can be managed based on the water level of the ground surface measured by the water level meter; In the second control mode, the water supply to the underground can be managed based on the underground water level measured by the water level meter, The water level meter is The device is configured to be movable to a first position where the water level on the ground surface can be measured and to a second position where the water level underground can be measured. Field water management system.

2. The control unit In the first control mode, a water level of the ground surface is calculated based on a first origin that is set according to the first position; In the second control mode, the underground water level is calculated based on a second origin that is set according to the second position. The field water management system according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a memory unit for storing the measurement results of the water level meter. The field water management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The storage unit storing information about crops grown in the field; The field water management system according to claim 3.

5. A water thermometer capable of measuring the water temperature on the surface of the field and the water temperature underground of the field, a storage unit that stores the measurement results of the water temperature gauge; Further comprising: The field water management system according to claim 1 or 2.

Citation Information

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